Solent University’s MSc in Strength and Conditioning Achieves Prestigious IUSCA Degree Accreditation

The International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association (IUSCA) is pleased to announce that Southampton Solent University’s MSc in Strength and Conditioning has officially been awarded IUSCA Degree Accreditation. This distinguished recognition marks an exceptional achievement for Solent University, particularly as the programme receives accreditation in its inaugural year, highlighting its immediate impact, quality, and alignment with international standards.

The IUSCA Degree Accreditation is the only global accreditation that integrates fully embedded professional certifications within academic S&C programmes. Through this accreditation, Solent’s MSc students benefit from a direct pathway to industry-recognised qualifications, including the IUSCA IQF Level 7 Accredited International Strength and Conditioning Practitioner by Master’s Degree (aISCP*m), a credential that signifies the highest level of practical and academic proficiency.

Graduates of the accredited programme demonstrate the hallmark competencies of an IUSCA Accredited International Strength and Conditioning Practitioner (aISCP), including:

• The ability to utilise scientific thinking to facilitate independent thought within S&C

• Breadth and depth of knowledge within S&C

• The ability to write and communicate with clarity and effectiveness

• Demonstrated technical abilities

• Significant experience as a practitioner (1,500 hours)

• The ability to review and evaluate their own and others’ practice and performance

Adam Lewis, Course Leader for the MSc Strength and Conditioning at Solent University, commented on the achievement:

“At Southampton Solent University we are proud that our Master’s in Strength & Conditioning has attained the prestigious IUSCA Degree Accreditation in its first year of running. IUSCA accreditation is a global standard that values knowledge, skills and experience — aligning perfectly with our own practice-led teaching philosophy. The accreditation is testament to our skilled staff, highly practical modules, fantastic facilities, and real-world coaching opportunities, allowing students to graduate with an internationally recognised aISCP*m certification and ready for employment.”

The MSc programme at Solent places a strong emphasis on applied learning and real-world experience. With practical coaching modules, outstanding facilities, and access to a network of professional partners, students receive an education that is both scientifically rigorous and grounded in real-life practitioner demands. This industry-facing approach ensures that graduates leave not only with a master’s degree but also with the capabilities, confidence, and credentials to step directly into roles within elite sport, performance, and health settings.

Andrew Langford, Director of the IUSCA, praised the university’s swift achievement:

“We are delighted to award IUSCA Degree Accreditation to Southampton Solent University’s MSc in Strength and Conditioning. To achieve this level of recognition in the programme’s first year is a testament to the university’s commitment to high-quality, practice-led education. Solent’s emphasis on applied learning, industry engagement, and professional development aligns strongly with the IUSCA framework, and their integration of the aISCP*m certification ensures that graduates are equipped with both academic excellence and the practical experience required to thrive in the field.”

In addition to their embedded professional certification, students at Solent gain full access to the IUSCA Video Library and practitioner Short Courses, ensuring ongoing development and exposure to global best practices in strength and conditioning.

With this accreditation, Solent University joins a growing network of institutions worldwide committed to raising the standard of S&C education. The combination of academic strength, applied practitioner experience, and internationally aligned certification makes the MSc Strength and Conditioning at Solent a truly exceptional offering.

For more information about the MSc in Strength and Conditioning at Solent University, visit: https://www.solent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/strength-and-conditioning-msc

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About Solent University: Located in the heart of Southampton, Solent University is known for its focus on applied learning, industry connections, and student-centred approach to higher education. Its School of Sport, Health and Social Sciences delivers a range of high-impact programmes designed to prepare graduates for successful careers in sport performance, health, and applied sciences.

About IUSCA: The International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association (IUSCA) is the global leader in setting and accrediting standards in S&C education. IUSCA Degree Accreditation ensures that graduates leave university with the professional competencies, technical skills, and real-world experience needed to excel in strength and conditioning practice across the world. Through its accreditation programs, International Qualification Framework (IQF), professional development resources, and research initiatives, the IUSCA aims to elevate standards and support the ongoing professional growth of practitioners across the sector.